Juneau-Douglas High School celebrated seven students on Dec. 18 for their contributions and good deeds to improve their school. The monthly Student Recognition Luncheon began with Juneau Gastineau Rotary Club member and local businessman Eric Carver speaking from personal experience about how peer pressure, both good and bad, can influence a student’s future, and advising honorees to make good choices. Assistant Principal Kristy Germain then presented each student with a Student Recognition pin, a letter of acknowledgement from Juneau’s legislative delegation and a certificate. The students, their parents and the teachers who nominated them then enjoyed lunch provided by the JDHS Parent Group.

Senior Vaughn Ecklund was nominated by librarian Barb Kreher.

She wrote, “It is my pleasure to recommend Vaughn Ecklund to be recognized for his outstanding job as our first semester JDHS Library Intern. Vaughn’s enthusiasm and willingness to complete any library task helps support our JDHS Library program. He has been a tremendous help in processing new literature paperbacks and magazines, getting these items ready for library patrons to read or borrow from the library. With close attention to detail, he has quickly and successfully mastered the steps to create READ posters using Photoshop software. Also, the fiction section of the library is in great order as Vaughn keeps books put away and shelves straightened. I would like Vaughn to know that his work in the library is very helpful and his positive attitude has made it a delight to have him working with me in the library.”

Of Flake, he wrote, “Devin has made dramatic changes in his attitude toward school. This change has brought about vast improvement in his grades and his attitude. Way to go, Devin!”

Counselor Hilary Young nominated sophomore Brian Holst.

She wrote of Holst, “I am nominating Brian for student recognition because of his participation in the statewide prevention summit for domestic violence and sexual assault. Brian represented Sources of Strength in a student panel. He was well-spoken, confident and professional. Brian helped adults understand the relationship between youth and adults and how adults can support youth as mentors. With this knowledge, adults are better equipped to work as mentors and create meaningful change.”

She wrote, “Adam works on being organized, getting his assignments completed in a timely manner, and keeping his grades up. He is always polite and considerate of his fellow students. Adam makes an effort to make up missed work and plans for improvement. He works on developing good habits of mind that will be useful to him in the future. Adam is a positive role model in his Academic Success class, and even attended JDHS Super Saturday from 9 a.m.-12p.m., Dec. 7, to complete class work!”

Of Paradis, she wrote, “Melissa Paradis is my aide in the attendance office during third hour. I appreciate having Melissa in the office at the start of the day on Tuesday to help write late passes. She is always willing to do whatever I ask her to do, whether it is making deliveries, filing or other tasks. Only students who are deemed trustworthy are allowed to work in the attendance office. It is a credit to all of my aides to be approved for this position. Melissa works hard on homework when she is not needed. I have enjoyed getting to know her and appreciate all of her help. Thank you, Melissa.”

Willis also nominated junior Adriana Pintang.

She wrote, “Adriana Pintang is an aide in the attendance office during fourth hour. She has been an incredible help in setting up the files, delivering passes, writing passes and doing any other task I assign her. She is especially quick to check if there is filing that needs to be done and doing it without being asked. I appreciate that Adriana is available to cover my office in order for me to take my 15 minute break. She is trustworthy and works diligently in both the attendance office tasks and doing homework during down time. I appreciate Adriana’s cheerful and helpful attitude. She make the attendance office and JDHS a better place. Thank you, Adriana.”